Bermuda’s Under-15 national team produced a stunning response to adversity at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan, rebounding from an early play-off defeat against Tajikistan to dismantle Macau 6-1.
The young Gombey Warriors endured a punishing morning fixture on Pitch 2B at the Hovsan Competition Complex, bowing to a commanding 7-1 reverse at the hands of a disciplined and physically imposing Tajikistan side.
The Central Asian outfit took charge from the opening whistle, carving through Bermuda's backline with incisive passing and movement to build a commanding lead.
Despite the difficult assignment, Bermuda refused to yield completely, with forward Stephen Astwood showing predatory instincts to register a well-taken consolation strike.
Any lingering disappointment from the morning session was swiftly put to rest hours later when Bermuda took to Pitch 4B for their second play-off contest against Macau.
Bermuda dominated proceedings from the outset, executing with crisp attacking fluidity and clinical finishing to blow away their Asian opponents.
Adam Barritt paced the offensive blitz with a clinical brace, while Astwood maintained his fine goalscoring form on the day by adding his second strike of the tournament.
Ryley Martin, Legend Robinson, and Chaz Edmead each got their names on the scoresheet with solitary goals, completing an emphatic 6-1 triumph that underscored the squad's resilience on the world stage.
The victory ensures Bermuda finish the day on a major high as play-off action continues across the sprawling Hovsan facility.
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